If you've just discovered one of the 2021 Kia Sorento recalls on your VIN report, you're not alone. Kia has admitted a serious defect in certain 2021-2022 Sorento SUVs with the 2.5L turbo engine and 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The main 2021 Kia Sorento transmission recall (Kia campaign SC250, NHTSA campaign 22V-760) targets the electric oil pump inside that gearbox, which can fail and cause loss of drive power.

Understanding what the Kia 2021 Sorento recall actually does – and where its limits are – is critical if you're still having problems after the dealer “fix.”

Why Kia Recalled the 2021-2022 Sorento

Kia's investigation found that the electric oil pump inside the 8-speed DCT can suffer an internal fault due to a quality deviation at the supplier. A component on the pump's circuit board may detach because of insufficient soldering. When that happens, the transmission can't maintain hydraulic pressure.

According to Kia's own technical bulletin, this fault sets a diagnostic trouble code (P1C2D03), turns on the check-engine light, displays a “stop safely immediately” message with chimes, and then – after about 20–30 seconds – can lead to complete loss of motive power as the drive gears disengage.

Kia told regulators it had identified 65,612 potentially affected Sorento vehicles built between October 26, 2020 and August 25, 2022, plus about 3,400 K5 sedans. Media reports summarize this as “over 69,000” vehicles between the two models.

Which Sorentos Are Covered by the 2021 Kia Sorento Transmission Recall?

The SC250 Kia Sorento oil pump recall applies only to:

• Model years: 2021-2022 Kia Sorento
• Engine/transmission: 2.5L turbocharged GDI engine with 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Production dates: 10/26/2020 – 8/25/2022 (U.S. market)

If your SUV has the base 2.5L engine with a conventional automatic, or it's a hybrid/plug-in hybrid with a 6-speed automatic, this particular Kia oil pump recall does not apply. Likewise, 2023 Sorento models are not listed in the 22V-760 campaign documents.

What Dealers Actually Do Under the Kia Sorento Oil Pump Recall

The SC250 bulletin lays out a two-step process for dealers:

1. Scan for the specific fault code

• Technicians use Kia's diagnostic system to check the transmission control unit for DTC P1C2D03.
• If the code is not stored, they do not replace hardware. Instead, they update the transmission control unit (TCU) software to new logic designed to manage fail-safe mode more reliably.

2. Replace the transmission if the code is present

• If P1C2D03 is stored, the dealer replaces the entire 8-speed DCT assembly and then updates the TCU software.
• The work is supposed to be performed free of charge, including both inspection and any necessary replacement.

On paper, this 2021 Kia Sorento recall is meant to prevent dangerous power loss and improve how the transmission behaves if the oil pump fails.

What the Recall Does Not Fix

For many owners, SC250 is just the beginning of the story, not the end.

1. No preventive parts replacement
   If your Sorento hasn't yet logged the fault code, the dealer will likely only install the software update – no new pump, no new transmission. The underlying pump hardware is left in place, even though Kia's own documents describe a supplier-level soldering defect.
2. Vehicles outside the official range
   Some owners of later-build 2022 Sorentos and 2023 models report similar loss-of-power events but find no 2021 Kia Sorento recall open on their VIN. They may still have rights under warranty or lemon law, but SC250 will not automatically cover them.
3. Problems after recall completion
   There are complaints where a 2022 Sorento went in for SC250, then lost power again within days – this time with multiple warning lights and engine issues. Once a dealer marks SC250 as “completed,” you may still face ongoing 2021-2022 Kia Sorento problems while the manufacturer considers the vehicle technically “repaired.”
4. Time without your vehicle
   The recall documentation doesn't guarantee a loaner or rental, even though transmission replacements can require days or weeks if parts are back-ordered. Owners are left to negotiate with the dealer or Kia for alternate transportation.

How Recall Repairs Affect Your Legal Options

A completed 2021 Kia Sorento recall does not erase your rights. In fact, SC250 can strengthen a claim in some situations:

• Recall visits and related transmission work count as repair attempts.
• Long stretches in the shop can count toward the “days out of service” requirement under many state lemon laws.
• Continued loss of power or warning messages after the recall can be powerful evidence that the vehicle remains defective.

Owners with substantial and recurring problems may be entitled to a refund or replacement under the lemon law. Other owners may have claims for breach of warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act.

If you live in New York or New Jersey and your 2021-2022 Kia Sorento is still unsafe or unreliable after the Kia 2021 Sorento recall, the Law Office of Howard Gutman can review your repair history and explain your options. Contact us for a free consultation to see whether you may qualify for compensation.

Sources:

• NHTSA – Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-760 (2021–2022 Kia Sorento / 2021–2023 Kia K5 Electric Oil Pump)
• NHTSA – Safety Recall Campaign SC250 Owner Notification Letter
• Kia – Technical Service Bulletin SC250: 8-Speed DCT (DTC P1C2D03) Inspection / Replacement / Logic Improvement
• Kia – Recall SC250 Summary (8-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission Electric Oil Pump)
• Edmunds – “Kia Issues Recall for Over 69,000 Sorentos and K5s”
• Center for Auto Safety – 2022 Kia Sorento Recalls, Complaints and Investigations
• California Lemon Law Group – “Hyundai and Kia Loss of Drive Power – Transmission Oil Pump Recall”
• NHTSA – 2021 Kia Sorento SUV AWD Overview & Complaints
• Kia Forums – “Transmission failed – DCT failures / manufactured date – SA502A ECU update”

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